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PAPERS 


RELATIVE  TO  HOSPITALS 


IN  CHINA. 


BOSTON: 

I.  R.  BUTTS,  PRINTER,  SCHOOL  STREET. 


1841. 


INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS 


BY  A 

COMMITTEE 

OF  THE 

BOSTON  MEDICAL  ASSOCIATION. 


Many  persons  are  already  aware,  that  for  four  years 
past  a hospital  has  been  maintained  in  Canton,  in  China, 
under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  Peter  Parker,  M.  D.  This 
gentleman  had  been  sent  to  China  as  a Christian  mis- 
sionary, by  the  American  Board  for  Foreign  Missions. 
Before  he  engaged  in  this  holy  work,  he  qualified  him- 
self by  a regular  course  of  study  to  practice  medicine 
and  surgery,  and  was  graduated  a Doctor  of  Medicine, 
at  Yale  College.  It  seems  to  have  occurred  to  him 
that,  if  he  was  to  propagate  Christianity  among  the 
heathen,  it  would  be  well  to  exhibit  the  excellence  of 
that  holy  religion  in  practice.  Dr.  Parker  was  support- 
ed by  those  who  sent  him,  and  he  sought  no  pecuniary 
reward  for  his  labors ; but  he  had  nothing  else  to  give. 
The  expenses  of  his  hospital  were  defrayed  by  contri- 


4 


butions  from  British  and  American  gentlemen,  resident 
in  Canton.  Strongly  impressed  by  the  benefit  of  his 
labors,  these  gentlemen  formed  a society  in  Canton, 
which  they  named  the  Medical  Missionary  Society,  the 
object  of  which  was,  to  maintain  hospitals  in  Canton, 
’and  elsewhere  in  China.  Under  their  auspices,  besides 
the  hospital  in  Canton,  one  has  been  opened  in  Macao, 
with  every  prospect  of  success.  The  late  interruption 
of  the  foreign  trade  in  China,  has  deprived  these  hospi- 
tals of  the  support  which  has  heretofore  been  afforded 
to  them.  The  question  arises  whether  aid  cannot  be 
procured  for  them  in  this  country  and  in  Great  Britain. 

Medical  men  in  this  country  have  read  from  time  to 
time  the  reports  of  the  benevolent  labors,  which  have 
now  been  referred  to,  with  great  interest.  Dr.  Parker’s 
success,  in  surgical  practice  especially,  under  circum- 
stances far  from  being  favorable,  has  led  them  to  regard 
him  with  great  respect.  Hence  they  were  induced  to 
receive  him,  on  his  recent  visit  to  this  country,  with 
sincere  cordiality,  and  to  inquire  if  in  any  way  they 
could  promote  the  benevolent  objects  to  which  he  had 
devoted  himself.  In  this  city  a meeting  of  the  Medical 
Association  was  called,  so  that  all  medical  men  here 
might  have  an  opportunity  of  seeing  him,  during  his 
short  visit,  and  that  they  might  hear  from  him  some  ac- 
count of  his  operations,  and  an  explanation  of  his  wishes. 


6 


At  the  conclusion  of  this  meeting,  the  Association  re- 
solved to  “ invite  the  attention  of  men  of  property  to 
the  medical  establishments  in  China,  and  earnestly  to 
recommend  that  they  should  furnish  such  assistance  as 
shall  give  a permanent  maintenance  to  these  establish- 
ments.” The  Association  also  appointed  “ a Committee 
to  consult  with  any  persons,  who  may  take  an  interest 
in  the  subject  of  the  medical  establishments  in  China,  and 
to  take  such  measures  as  may  seem  to  them  expedient 
to  obtain  the  aid  required.”  This  Committee  consisted 
of  Drs.  Jackson,  Warren,  Shattuck,  Hooper,  and  Bow- 
ditch. 

The  Committee  thus  appointed,  have  believed  that 
they  could  not  better  perform  the  duty  assigned  them, 
than  by  reprinting  certain  proceedings  of  the  Medical 
Missionary  Society  in  China,  and  the  Address  which 
accompanied  the  publication  of  the  same  in  Canton. 
These  will  be  found  in  the  following  pages. 

The  Committee  do  not  think  that  they  can  set  forth 
the  advantages  of  the  plan,  which  has  been  adopted  by 
this  Society,  in  any  better  terms  than  those  contained 
in  the  Address.  They  will  therefore  only  beg  all  those, 
to  whom  this  pamphlet  is  sent,  to  read  the  articles  sub- 
joined, and  to  give  to  them  the  attention  they  deserve. 


6 


It  may  be  proper  to  add,  that  there  is  reason  to  hope 
that  aid  will  be  derived  from  the  commercial  cities  in 
other  parts  of  the  Union  for  the  benevolent  object, 
which  has  been  mentioned ; and  that  Dr.  Parker  has 
now  gone  to  England,  at  the  invitation  of  some  of  the 
British  merchants  recently  at  Canton,  and  that  aid  for 
the  same  object  will  probably  be  furnished  by  some  of 
the  opulent  citizens  of  that  country. 


By  order  of  the  Committee  of  the  Boston  Medical 
Association  y 


James  Jackson,  Chairman. 


Boston,  April  23,  1841. 


THE 


MEDICAL  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 

IN  CHINA. 

ADDRESS, 

•WITH 


MINUTES  OF  PROCEEDINGS. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 
Columbia  University  Libraries 


https://archive.org/details/papersrelativetoOOmedi 


REGULATIONS  AND  RESOLUTIONS. 


At  a public  meeting,  called  by  T.  R.  Colledge,  Esq.,  the  Rev. 
P.  Parker,  M.  D.,  and  the  Rev.  E.  C.  Bridgman  (G.  T.  Lay, 
Esq.,  attending  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Colledge),  which  was  held 
in  the  rooms  of  the  General  Chamber  of  Commerce,  at  Canton, 
on  the  21st  of  February,  1838,  it  was  — 

Proposed  by  the  Rev,  P.  Parker,  and  seconded  by  R.  Inglis, 
Esq.,  “ That  Mr.  Jardine  take  the  Chair.” 

This  being  unanimously  agreed  to,  the  Chair  was  accordingly 
taken  hy  W.  Jardine,  Esq,,  who  stated,  that  the  object  for  which 
the  meeting  had  been  called  was,  the  organization  of  a Medical 
Missionary  Society,  in  conformity  with  a plan  which  had  been  for 
some  time  in  contemplation,  and  in  reference  to  which  certain  sug- 
gestions had  been  published,  about  eighteen  months  previously,  by 
the  gentlemen  by  whom  the  meeting  was  called. 

The  following  Resolutions,  relating  to  the  organization  of  the 
contemplated  Society,  having  been  read  consecutively,  were  then 
severally  discussed  and  adopted. 

2 


10 


OBJECT. 

On  the  motion  of  G.  Tradescant  Lay,  Esq.,  seconded  by  the 

Rev.  E.  C.  Bridgman, 

Resolved, 

I.  “ That,  in  order  to  give  a wider  extension,  and  a permanency, 
to  the  efforts  that  have  already  been  made  to  spread  the  benefits  of 
rational  medicine  and  surgeiy  among  the  Chinese,  a Society  be  or- 
ganized at  Canton,  under  the  name  of  the  Medical  Missionary  So- 
ciety in  China  : That  the  object  of  this  Society  be,  to  encourage 
gentlemen  of  the  medical  profession  to  come  and  practice  gratui- 
tously among  the  Chinese,  by  affording  the  usual  aid  of  hospitals, 
medicine  and  attendants : But  that  the  support  and  remuneration 
of  such  medical  gentlemen  be  not  at  present  within  its  contem- 
plation.” 

OFFICERS. 

On  the  motion  of  R.  Inglis,  Esq.,  seconded  by  J.  Archer,  Esq., 
Resolved, 

II.  “ That  the  officers  of  this  Society  consist  of  a President, 
Vice-Presidents,  a Recording  Secretary,  a Corresponding  Secre- 
tary, a Treasurer,  and  an  Auditor  of  Accounts,  — to  be  elected 
by  ballot  annually : That  these  officers  collectively  form  a Com- 
mittee of  Management,  for  performing  the  business  of  the  Society  : 
That,  in  the  absence  of  the  President,  the  duties  of  his  office  be 
performed  by  the  senior  Vice-President,  that  is,  by  the  Vice-Pres- 
ident whose  name  shall  stand  first  in  order  on  the  ballot  list ; That 
any  vacancy  occurring  between  the  annual  meetings  be  filled  up 
by  the  committee : And  that  the  Secretaries  and  Treasurer  render 
every  year  a Report  of  the  operations  of  the  Society.” 

MEMBERS. 

On  the  motion  of  James  Matheson,  Esq.,  seconded  by  Captain 

Hine, 

Resolved, 

III.  “ That  persons  subscribing  fifteen  dollars  annually  be  con- 


11 


sidered  members  of  the  Society  during  the  period  of  their  subscrip- 
tion ; That  donors  to  the  amount  of  one  hundred  dollars  at  one 
time  be  constituted  members  for  life : And  that  donors  of  five  hun- 
dred dollars  at  a time  be  constituted  directors  for  life.” 

MEETINGS. 

On  the  motion  of  J.  Robert  Morrison,  Esq.,  seconded  by  the 
Rev.  P.  Parker, 

Resolved, 

IV.  “ That  an  annual  meeting  of  the  Society  be  held  on  the 
last  Thursday  of  September,  in  each  year,  for  the  election  of  offi- 
cers and  the  transaction  of  general  business  ; That  the  President 
be  empowered  to  call  a special  meeting  of  the  Society,  at  the  re- 
quest of  the  committee  of  management,  or  on  the  application  of 
five  members : And  that  the  committee  regulate  the  times  of  its 
own  meetings.” 


LIBRARY. 

On  the  motion  of  T.  H.  Layton,  Esq.,  seconded  by  G.  Trades- 
CANT  Lay,  Esq., 

Resolved, 

V.  “ That  this  association  shall  have  a Library,  to  be  called  ‘ the 
Library  of  the  Medical  Missionary  Society  in  China,’  and  to  be 
under  the  control  of  the  committee  of  management,  by  which  do- 
nations of  books,  &1C.,  may  be  accepted.” 

anatomical  museum. 

On  the  motion  of  H.  M.  Clarke,  Esq.,  seconded  by  R.  Inglis, 
Esq., 

Resolved, 

VI.  “ That  this  Society  form  a museum  of  natural  and  morbid 
anatomy,  paintings  of  extraordinary  diseases,  &;c.,  to  be  called  ‘ the 
Anatomical  Museum  of  the  Medical  Missionary  Society  in  China,’ 
and  to  be  under  the  control  of  the  committee  of  management.” 


12 


TRUSTEE  S. 

On  the  motion  of  J.  Archer,  Esq.,  seconded  by  G.  T.  Lay, 
Esq., 

Resoeved, 

VII.  “ That  all  real  estate  or  other  property  belonging  to  the 
Society  be  held  on  behalf  of  the  same  by  a Board  of  Trustees,  to 
consist  of  the  President,  the  Treasurer,  and  the  Auditor  of  Ac- 
counts.” 

QUALIFICATIONS  OF  MEDICAL  MEN  EMPLOYED. 

On  the  motion  of  the  Rev.  E.  C.  Bridgman,  seconded  by  G.  T. 

Lay,  Esq., 

Resolved, 

VIII.  “ That  candidates  for  the  patronage  of  the  society  must 
furnish  satisfactory  certificates  of  their  medical  education,  approved 
of  by  the  society  sending  them  out,  — with  testimonials  from  some 
religious  body  as  to  their  piety,  prudence,  and  correct  moral  and 
religious  character.” 

DUTIES  OF  SUCH  MEDICAL  MEN. 

On  the  motion  of  Alexander  Matheson,  Esq.,  seconded  by  T. 

H.  Layton,  Esq., 

Resolved, 

IX.  “ That  this  society  will  not  assume  the  right  to  control  any 
individual  acting  under  its  patronage,  or  to  interfere  with  or  modify 
the  instructions  he  may  have  received  from  the  society  sending  him 
out : That  it  will,  however,  expect  a strict  observance  of  any  gen- 
eral regulations  for  the  management  of  its  institutions,  and  a dili- 
gent study  of  some  one  dialect  of  the  Chinese  tongue,  on  the  part 
of  those  who  receive  its  patronage : And  that  it  will  reserve  to 
itself  the  right  of  withdrawing  its  patronage,  at  the  discretion  of  the 
committee  of  management,  from  any  individual  who  may,  from  non- 
compliance  with  its  regulations,  or  from  other  causes,  incur  its  dis- 
pleasure.” 


13 


HOSPITAL  REGISTER. 

On  the  motion  of  G.  T.  Lay,  Esq.,  seconded  by  the  Rev.  P. 

Parker, 

Resolved, 

X.  “ That  at  each  institution  under  the  patronage  of  the  society 
a book  shall  be  kept,  in  which  shall  be  inserted,  in  a fair  and  legible 
hand,  an  account  of  all  important  medical  or  surgical  cases  : And 
that,  in  order  that  this  may  not  interfere  with  the  other  important 
duties  of  the  physician  or  surgeon,  any  assistance  necessary  for 
keeping  such  a register  shall  be  defrayed  by  the  society.” 

FOREIGN  AGENTS. 

On  the  motion  of  E.  Moller,  Esq.,  seconded  by  G.  T.  Lay, 
Esq., 

Resolved, 

XI.  “ That  the  committee  of  management  be  empowered  to  ap- 
point agents  in  Great  Britain  and  America,  to  receive  and  transmit 
to  them  any  sums  that  may  be  paid  on  behalf  of  this  society.” 

After  these  resolutions  had  been  severally  discussed  and  adopted, 
it  was  moved  by  Rorert  Inglis,  Esq.,  seconded  by  A.  C.  Mac- 
lean,  Esq.,  and 
Resolved, 

“ That  the  members  of  this  society  are  deeply  impressed  with  a 
sense  of  the  services  which  Mr.  Colledge  and  Dr.  Parker  have 
rendered  to  humanity,  by  the  gratuitous  medical  aid  they  have  af- 
forded to  the  Chinese,  which  services  have  tended  to  originate  this 
society  : And  that  the  members  trust  to  the  philanthropy  and  zeal 
of  those  gentlemen  to  carry  the  purposes  of  the  society  into  effect, 
and  to  enable  it  to  perpetuate  the  benefits  which  have  been  already 
conferred.” 

It  was  then  moved  by  James  Matheson,  Esq.,  seconded  by  R. 
Turner,  Esq.,  and 


14 


Resolved, 

“ That  the  thanks  of  this  meeting  be  presented  to  T.  R.  Col- 
ledge,  Esq.,  for  the  responsibility  and  trouble  taken  by  him  in  pur- 
chasing and  putting  into  repair  a convenient  and  suitable  building 
for  a medical  institution  at  Macao  : That  the  said  building  be  ac- 
cepted by  this  society,  on  the  liberal  terms  of  Mr.  Colledge’s  offer ; 
And  that  the  Trustees  be  authorized  to  take  the  necessary  steps  for 
the  transfer  of  the  property.” 

Resolved, 

“ That  the  meeting  now  proceed  to  the  election  of  officers.” 

The  following  officers  were  duly  elected:  President,  T.  R.  Col- 
ledge,  Esq. ; Vice-Presidents,  Rev.  Peter  Parker,  M.  D.,  W. 
Jardine,  Esq.,  G.  T.  Lay,  Esq.,  Rev.  E.  C.  Bridgman  ; Re- 
cording Secretary,  A.  Anderson,  Esq. ; Corresponding  Secreta- 
ry, C.  W.  King,  Esq. ; Treasurer,  Joseph  Archer,  Esq. ; Au- 
ditor of  Accounts,  J.  C.  Green,  Esq.* 

The  following  officers  form  the  Board  of  Tiustees  : Thomas 
Richardson  Colledge,  Esq.,  Joseph  Archer,  Esq.,  John 
Cleve  Green,  Esq. 

Thanks  having  been  voted  to  the  Chair,  the  meeting  was  then 
adjourned. 


Minutes  of  a public  meeting  of  the  Medical  Missionary  Society  in 
China,  held  in  the  rooms  of  the  General  Chamber  of  Commerce, 
on  Tuesday,  the  2Ath  of  April,  1838, — 

The  Rev.  Peter  Parker,  M.  D.,  Vice-President,  in  the  chair. 
The  minutes  of  the  general  meeting  held  on  the  21st  of  Febru- 


* In  a meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Management,  held  on  the  23d  of  February, 
some  alterations  were  made  in  this  list.  R.  Inglis  and  A.  Anderson,  Esqrs.,  were 


15 


ary  last  having  been  read,  it  was,  — in  reference  to  certain  changes 
subsequently  made  by  the  committee  of  management  in  the  list  of 
officers  — 

On  the  motion  of  Richard  Turner,  Esq.,  seconded  by  the  Rev. 
E.  C.  Bridgman, 

Resolved, 

“ That  the  provisional  changes  made  by  the  committee  of  man- 
agement in  the  list  of  officers  of  the  Society,  be  confirmed  by  this 
meeting.” 

The  following  resolution,  passed  by  the  committee  of  management 
on  the  23d  of  February  last,  was  read,  viz  : “ That  Mr.  Colledge, 
Dr.  Parker,  and  Mr.  Bridgman,  be  requested  to  draw  out  a general 
statement  of  the  objects  and  prospects  of  the  Society,  its  regula- 
tions, and  other  particulars  of  its  organization,  for  the  purpose  of 
publication,  the  same  to  be  submitted  for  approval  to  a general 
meeting  of  the  Society.”  The  address  that  had  been  drawn  up  in 
accordance  with  this  resolution  was  also  read.  It  was  then. 

On  the  motion  of  W.  Jardine,  Esq.,  seconded  by  J.  C.  Green, 
Esq., 

Resolved, 

“ That  the  address  that  has  just  been  read  be  accepted,  and  that, 
agreeably  to  the  resolution  of  the  committee  of  management,  it  be 
printed,  accompanied  by  the  list  of  regulations,  and  other  particulars 
of  information  regarding  the  state  and  prospects  of  the  Society.” 

On  the  motion  of  R.  Inglis,  Esq.,  seconded  by  J.  Archer,  Esq., 
Resolved, 

“ That  this  meeting,  having  heard  that  an  application  is  to  be 
made  to  the  proprietor  of  the  building  now  occupied  as  a hospital 
in  Canton  to  repair  and  enlarge  it,  is  of  opinion,  that  Dr.  Parker 


added  to  the  number  of  the  Vice-Presidents,  and  J.  R.  Morrison,  Esq.,  was  ap- 
pointed Recording  Secretary  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Anderson. 


16 


should,  for  thq  following  reasons,  be  requested  to  avail  himself  of  the 
time  required  for  such  repail’s  and  alterations,  to  proceed  to  Macao> 
to  open,  and  for  three  or  four  months  to  take  charge  of,  the  hospital 
there.  — These  reasons  are,  that  there  are  now  many  cases  in  Ma- 
cao calling  for  early  attention,  whereas  in  Canton  most  of  the  cases 
of  old  standing  have  been  relieved,  — and  that  a great  advantage 
will  be  experienced  in  the  new  institution  being  opened  by  a person 
acquainted  with  the  language  and  habits  of  the  Chinese,  rather  than 
by  any  one,  a stranger  to  their  language  and  habits,  who  may  here- 
after arrive.” 

On  the  motion  of  J.  Archer,  Esq.,  seconded  by  W.  Bell,  Esq., 
Resolved, 

“ That  this  Society  views  with  pleasure  the  prospects  of  an  early 
Increase  in  the  number  of  its  medical  cobperators  in  this  country  ; 
and  that  it  trusts  the  hospitals,  both  in  Canton  and  Macao,  may  en- 
joy, ere  long,  all  needed  superintendence,  in  the  presence  of  at  least 
two  surgeons  in  each. 

On  the  motion  of  W.  Jardine,  Esq.,  seconded  by  J.  C.  Green, 

Esq., 

Resolved, 

“ That  with  a view  of  increasing  the  existing  pecuniary  means 
of  the  Society,  the  Secretary  be  empowered  to  call  a general  meet- 
ing, a few  days  subsequently  to  the  publication  of  the  pamphlet 
now  about  to  be  printed.” 


The  meeting  then  adjourned. 


17 


LIST  OF  OFFICERS  AND  MEMBERS. 


COMMITTEE  OF  MANAGEMENT. 


President,  — Thomas  R.  Colledge,  Esq. 


Vice-Presidents. 


Alexander  Anderson,  Esq.  , 
G.  Tradescant  Lax,  Esq. 
Rev.  E.  C.  Bridgman. 


Rev.  Peter  Parker,  M.  D. 
William  Jardine,  Esq. 
Robert  Inglis,  Esq. 


Recording  Secretary,  — John  Robert  Morrison,  Esq. 
Corresponding  Secretary,  — Charles  William  King,  Esq. 
Treasurer,  — Joseph  Archer,  Esq. 

Auditor  of  Accounts,  — John  C.  Green,  Esq. 

TRUSTEES. 

Thomas  Richardson  Colledge,  Esq.,  Joseph  Archer,  Esq., 
John  Cleve  Green,  Esq. 


DIRECTORS  FOR  LIFE. 


Lancelot  Dent,  Esq., 
Robert  Inglis,  Esq. 
William  Jardine,  Esq. 


J.  Matheson,  Esq. 
Framjee  Pestonjee,  Esq. 
J.  C.  Whiteman,  Esq. 


3 


18 


MEMBERS 

A.  Anderson,  Esq. 

J.  Archer,  Esq. 

J.  H.  Astell,  Esq. 

W.  Bell,  Esq. 

W.  Blenkin,  Esq. 

W.  Carr,  Esq.  Calcutta. 

T.  R.  CoLLEDGE,  Esq. 

J.  Covert,  Esq. 

F.  M.  Davidson,  Esq. 
Wilkinson  Dent,  Esq. 

R.  Diggles,  Esq.  Batavia. 
Captain  C.  Elliot,  R.  N. 

T.  Fox,  Esq. 

Hon.  S.  Garling.  Malacca. 
Thomas  Gemmell,  Esq. 

O.  H.  Gordon,  Esq. 

J.  C.  Green,  Esq. 

J.  Hamilton,  Esq.  (Deceased.) 
A.  Hay,  Esq.  Singapore. 
Captain  A Henderson. 

Captain  J.  Hine,  H.  C.  S. 


FOR  LIFE. 

A.  R.  Johnston,  Esq. 

Andrew  Johnston,  Esq. 

A.  S.  Keating,  Esq.  (Deceased.) 
J.  Innes,  Esq. 

T.  H.  Layton,  Esq. 

H.  H.  Lindsay,  Esq. 

A.  Matheson,  Esq. 

J.  R.  Morrison,  Esq. 

G.  G.  Nicol,  Esq. 

D.  W.  C.  Olyphant,  Esq. 

W.  R.  Paterson,  Esq.  Glasgow. 
A.  Robertson,  Esq. 

Sir  G.  B.  Robinson,  Bart. 

John  Slade,  Esq. 

G.  C.  ScHWABE,  Esq. 

J.  P.  Sturgis,  Esq. 

R.  Turner,  Esq. 

Woo  Tunyuen  (Howqua.) 

W.  S.  Wetmore,  Esq. 

S.  Wetmore,  Jr.  Esq. 

Henry  Wright,  Esq. 


C.  Bovet,  Esq. 

Mrs.  Bovet.  ( Deceased.) 
Mrs.  Colledge. 

Captain  C.  Elliot,  R.  N. 


ANNUAL  SUBSCRIBERS. 

Edmund  Moller,  Esq. 

C.  Fearon,  Esq. 

Lady  Herschell. 

Captain  T.  Smith,  h.  c.  s. 


J.  C.  Stewart,  Esq. 


FOREIGN  AGENTS. 

Messrs.  Hankey  Co., 

Messrs.  Magniac,  Smiths  & Co., 
J.  Thomson,  Esq.,  Royal  Bank, 
Messrs.  James  Ewing  & Co., 
Henry  Hill,  Esq., 

Messrs.  Talbot,  Olyphant  & Co., 
Richard  Alsop,  Esq., 

Messrs.  W.  Wilson  & Sons, 

M.  St.  Clair  Clarke,  Esq. 


London. 

London. 

Edinburgh. 

Glasgow. 

Boston. 

New  York. 
Philadelphia. 
Baltimore. 
Washington. 


ADDRESS. 


In  October,  1836,  after  mature  deliberation,  and  en- 
couraged by  many  whose  views  were  in  accordance 
with  our  own,  a few  suggestions  relative  to  the  subject 
of  providing  medical  aid  for  the  Chinese  were  drawn 
up,  and  published.  The  hope  then  cherished  has  been 
realized ; the  first  public  act  — the  organization  of  a 
new  institution  — has  been  completed.  And  it  is  in 
compliance  with  a resolution  of  the  committee  of  man- 
agement of  this  institution,  that  we  have  now  once 
more  the  pleasure  of  explaining  our  object,  and  of  in- 
viting the  cooperation  of  all  those  who  wish  to  mitigate 
the  sufferings  of  their  fellow-men. 

The  object  of  this  Society  is,  as  stated  in  the  reso- 
lutions passed  at  its  formation,  to  encourage  the  prac- 
tice of  Medicine  among  the  Chinese,  to  extend  to  them 
some  of  those  benefits,  which  science,  patient  investiga- 


20 


tion,  and  the  ever-kindling  light  of  discovery,  have  con- 
ferred upon  ourselves. 

In  the  midst  of  many  improvements,  and  surrounded 
by  numerous  social  advantages,  the  Chinese  are  never- 
theless deficient  in  medicine  and  surgery,  and  acknowl- 
edge this  deficiency  by  their  conduct,  whenever  they 
can  avail  themselves  of  the  well-directed  skill  and  the 
superior  adroitness  of  foreigners.  The  love  of  ease 
and  the  hopes  of  health  lead  mankind  to  accept  assist- 
ance, wherever  they  can  find  it,  to  forego  their  preju- 
dices, and  sometimes  to  make  large  sacrifices,  even  up- 
on a very  slender  prospect  of  recovery.  The  Chinese, 
though  exclusive  in  all  their  policy,  form  no  exception 
to  this  rule,  for  they  have  come  in  crowds  to  the  opthal- 
mic  institutions,  submitting  to  operations  and  medical 
treatment  with  unbounded  confidence,  and  obtaining 
health  and  restoration,  through  the  means  of  the  physi- 
cian, with  every  mark  of  the  most  unfeigned  respect 
and  thankfulness. 

Our  course,  then,  is  clear,  a road  to  usefulness  is  thus 
open  before  us,  a great  people  stand  in  need  of  our  as- 
sistance in  this  way,  and  are  withal  very  glad  to  receive 
it.  To  restore  health,  to  ease  pain,  or  in  any  way  to 
diminish  the  sum  of  human  misery,  forms  an  object 
worthy  of  the  philanthropist.  But  in  the  prosecution 
of  our  views  we  look  forward  to  far  higher  results  than 
the  mere  relief  of  human  suffering.  We  hope  that  our 
endeavors  will  tend  to  break  down  the  walls  of  preju- 


21 


dice  and  long  cherished  nationality  of  feeling,  and  to 
teach  the  Chinese,  that  those  whom  they  affect  to  de- 
spise are  both  able  and  willing  to  become  their  bene- 
factors. They  shut  the  door  against  the  teachers  of 
the  Gospel ; they  find  our  books  often  written  in  idioms 
which  they  cannot  readily  understand  ; and  they  have 
laid  such  restrictions  upon  commerce  that  it  does  not 
awaken  amongst  them  that  love  of  science,  that  spirit 
of  invention,  and  that  freedom  of  thought,  which  it  uni- 
formly excites  and  fosters,  whenever  it  is  allowed  to  take 
its  own  course  without  limit  or  interference.  In  the 
way  of  doing  them  good,  our  opportunities  are  few,  but 
among  these,  that  of  practising  medicine  and  surgery 
stands  preeminent.  Favorable  results  have  hitherto  fol- 
lowed it,  and  will  still  continue  to  do  so.  It  is  a depart- 
ment of  benevolence  peculiarly  adapted  to  China.  Or- 
dinary modes  of  conveying  information  fail  to  attract 
the  regard  of  the  Chinese.  Hence  their  groundless 
fears  and  suspicions  of  us  continue  unchanged.  If  a 
ray  of  light  flash  unexpectedly  upon  them,  they  view  it, 
not  as  a pure  beam  from  an  uncorrupted  source,  but  as 
an  ignis  fatuus  calculated  only  to  mislead.  Could  we 
dispel  these  fears,  and  make  known  to  them  the  true 
character  and  desires  of  the  civilized  western  nations, 
many  are  sanguine  that  a more  friendly  policy  would  be 
adopted  towards  us.  And  in  the  department  of  benev- 
olence to  which  our  attention  is  now  turned,  purity  and 
disinterestedness  of  motive  are  more  clearly  evinced 


than  in  any  other.  They  appear  unmasked ; they  at- 
tract the  gaze,  and  excite  the  admiration  and  gratitude, 
of  thousands. 

“ Heal  the  sick  ” is  our  motto,  — constituting  alike 
the  injunction  under  which  we  act,  and  the  object  at 
which  we  aim,  and  which,  with  the  blessing  of  God, 
we  hope  to  accomplish,  by  means  of  scientific  practice, 
in  the  exercise  of  an  unbought  and  untiring  kindness. 
We  have  called  ours  a Missionary  Society,  because  we 
trust  it  will  advance  the  cause  of  missions,  and  be- 
cause we  want  men  to  fill  our  institutions,  who  to  requi- 
site skill  and  experience  add  the  self-denial  and  the  high 
moral  qualities  which  are  usually  looked  for  in  a mis- 
sionary. 

For  the  Agents  by  whom  we  are  to  carry  our  object 
into  execution,  we  must  look  to  the  Missionary  Boards 
and  Committees  in  Great  Britain  and  the  United  States. 
They  have  it  in  their  power  to  help  us,  and  are  best 
qualified  to  select  men  that  are  fitted  to  execute  our 
designs.  We  do  not  engage  to  support  such  individ- 
uals, and  therefore  shall  leave  them  free  to  cherish  all 
the  better  feelings  of  an  honorable  independence.  We 
offer  them  hospitals,  with  every  other  necessary  and 
suitable  accommodation,  and  means  of  effecting  good. 
In  these  hospitals  we  require  for  the  patients  the  same 
uniform  and  well-considered  attention,  which  are  en- 
joyed in  institutions  of  a similar  kind  at  home.  Men 
of  eminent  qualifications  and  tried  character  are  indis- 


23 


pensable  for  the  successful  prosecution  of  the  work. 
For  after  the  Society  has  done  all  it  can  do,  by  way  of 
preparation,  its  direct  influence  on  the  Chinese  is  to 
be  exerted  through  the  agents  it  employs : on  them, 
therefore,  the  destinies  of  the  Society  are  suspended. 
If  they  fail,  it  fails.  Their  success,  is  its  success.  They 
are  to  give  effect  to  the  wishes  of  the  Society  and  its 
friends.  Too  much  care  cannot  be  bestowed  on  their 
selection.  Both  in  character  and  in  practice  they  should 
be  every  way  good  men.  The  constitution  of  the  So- 
ciety has  been  framed  so  as  to  guard  — as  far  as  it  is  in 
its  power  to  guard  — this  point. 

By  the  employment  of  such  an  agency  the  way  will 
be  paved  to  a higher  place  in  the  confidence  and  es- 
teem of  the  Chinese,  which  will  tend  to  put  our  com- 
merce and  all  our  intercourse  with  this  nation  upon  a 
more  desirable  footing,  and  to  open  avenues  for  the  in- 
troduction of  those  sciences  and  that  religion,  to  which 
we  owe  our  greatness,  by  which  we  are  enabled  to  act 
a useful  part  in  this  life,  and  which  fit  us  for  the  enjoy- 
ment of  a better  life  hereafter.  And  it  will  not  be  de- 
nied, that  these  form  desiderata  of  no  ordinary  interest 
and  importance. 

There  are  other  advantages,  which,  though  they  be 
of  a subordinate  kind,  are  not  without  their  value. 
Among  the  first  we  would  refer  to  the  benefits,  which 
are  likely  to  result  to  medical  science  by  cultivating  it 
in  China.  Countries  are  not  less  characterized  by  the 


24 


form  and  nature  of  the  soil  and  its  productions,  than 
they  are  by  the  prevalence  of  certain  maladies  and  a 
partial  or  complete  exemption  from  others.  The  con- 
templation of  disease  as  influenced  by  the  position  and 
height  of  a country,  its  inland  or  maritime  location,  and 
the  general  habits  of  the  people,  conducts  the  student 
to  a most  engaging  range  of  medical  philosophy,  while 
it  discloses  many  important  lessons  to  assist  him  in  the 
way  of  benefiting  his  fellow-creatures.  The  advan- 
tages derivable  from  such  a contemplation  have  been 
acknowledged  at  all  periods,  and  in  all  quarters.  To 
secure  these  advantages,  it  is  required,  that  a book 
should  be  kept  in  all  the  institutions  connected  with  this 
Society,  into  which  an  entry  will  be  made  of  all  impor- 
tant cases,  with  a notice,  not  only  of  the  disease  and  the 
treatment  pursued,  but  also  of  the  province,  habits,  and 
other  circumstances  bearing  upon  the  history,  of  each 
individual.  Such  books  will  in  time  be  curious  and  in- 
structive documents,  and  such  as  will  enable  us  to  glance 
at  the  penetralia  of  domestic  and  social  life  in  China, 
which  we  now  can  only  read  of,  or  view  at  a distance, 
from  the  very  outskirts  of  the  country. 

It  will  not  require  much  illustration  to  show,  in  the 
second  place,  that  information  will  be  obtained  in  this 
way  of  the  highest  value  to  the  missionary  and  the  man 
of  commercial  enterprise.  The  general  state  of  feeling 
in  this  vast  and  thickly  populated  country,  the  partiali- 
ties and  prejudices  of  the  people,  can  only  be  seen  by 
us  through  a very  questionable  and  imperfect  medium. 


25 


The  wants  and  resources  of  a territory  so  diversified 
and  extensive  are  only  known  to  us  by  reports,  which 
are  not  always  consistent  with  each  other.  But  by  such 
an  intercourse  with  the  people,  as  these  institutions  will 
afford,  the  truth  will  be  learned  in  some  measure,  and 
answers  to  many  questions,  which  we  are  now  interested 
to  ask,  will  be  obtained ; for  a sick  man  will  often  deal 
frankly  with  his  physician,  however  he  may  be  disposed 
to  conceal  facts,  or  garble  his  statements  with  any  other 
person. 

Another  advantage  will  be  the  education  of  young 
Chinese  in  those  branches  of  science  that  belong  to 
medicine.  Facts  show  that  Chinese  parents  are  not 
altogether  blind  to  the  desirableness  of  placing  their 
sons  in  our  hospitals,  as  three  are  already  under  tuition 
in  the  institution  at  Canton.  Young  men  thus  instruct- 
ed will  gradually  be  dispersed  over  the  empire,  travel- 
ling for  pleasure,  honor,  or  reward,  and  will  dispense 
the  benefits  of  a systematic  acquaintance  with  the  sub- 
ject wherever  they  go.  The  success  of  their  measures 
will  render  them  respectable,  and  of  course  will  redound 
to  the  credit  of  those  also  from  whom  they  have  learned 
the  art.  Their  patients  will  not  only  hear,  but  feel  that 
the  people  from  the  West  are  good  men.  The  effect  of 
such  influences  will  be  silent,  but  powerful,  for  there  is 
something  irresistibly  impressive  in  a benevolent  action, 
especially  when  it  appears  to  be  exempt  from  the  impu- 
tation of  interested  motives. 

4 


26 


The  Society  recommends  the  study  of  the  Chinese 
language,  because  to  question  a patient  through  an  in- 
terpreter is  a circuitous  and  often  a very  doubtful  pro- 
cess. A knowledge  of  the  language  will  open  another 
door  of  inquiry,  namely,  in  relation  to  the  substances 
used  in  Chinese  Pharmacy,  and  to  their  peculiar  modes 
of  preparation.  As  the  reciprocations  of  health  and 
sickness  are  various  in  different  countries,  so  Providence 
has  displayed  a corresponding  variety  in  the  distribution 
of  remedies.  This  correspondence  between  the  pre- 
vailing disorders  of  any  country  and  the  remedies  which 
the  hand  of  nature  has  provided,  is  often  very  striking, 
and  will  become  more  so  as  the  subject  is  investigated. 
We  may  therefore  look  for  a great  many  valuable  addi- 
tions to  our  dispensatories,  while  an  extended  acquaint- 
ance with  disease  under  new  modifications  will  help  to 
enlarge  and  complete  our  system  of  nosology.  With 
a small  stock  of  Chinese  phrases,  great  immediate  good 
may  be  effected,  but  to  accomplish  extensive  and  per- 
manent good,  an  acquaintance  with  their  language,  and 
with  their  treatises  on  the  theory  and  practice  of  medi- 
cine, as  prevailing  in  the  country,  is  indispensable. 
This  is  requisite,  also,  to  enable  one  to  write  works  by 
which  their  erroneous  systems  may  be  revolutionized. 
A man’s  usefulness  will  be  in  proportion,  ceteris  pari- 
bus, to  his  knowledge  of  the  language.  If  knowledge 
be  indeed  power,  then  is  that  of  the  language  of  China 
on  the  part  of  those  who  would  benefit  the  Chinese  em- 
phatically so. 


We  have  alluded  to  the  revolutionizing  of  the  erro- 
neous systems  of  the  Chinese.  But  little  argument  is 
needed  to  prove  the  urgent  importance  of  effecting 
such  a revolution.  A few  facts  will  suffice  to  show  it. 
Authors  of  medical  treatises,  enjoying  a high  reputa- 
tion and  imperial  patronage,  are  found  to  extol  the 
efficacy  of  many  secret  remedies  and  vaunted  specifics. 
And  all,  or  almost  all,  adopt  the  common  vagaries 
concerning  the  pulse  — their  infallible  key  to  every 
ailment,  and  concerning  the  inffuence  of  the  elements  in 
causing  and  affecting  disease.  Persons  in  the  highest 
ranks  of  society  believe  in  astrology,  and  consult  the 
almanac  in  order  to  select  an  auspicious  day  for  apply- 
ing to  a physician,  though  that  day  may  not  come  till 
their  disease  has  advanced  beyond  the  control  of  human 
skill.  The  Chinese  admit  their  ignorance  of  medical 
science,  especially  of  surgery  and  anatomy.  An  amus- 
ing and  ridiculous  compound  of  astrological  dogmas 
and  dissertations  on  the  inffuence  of  the  elements,  like 
the  “ Ethers  and  Elements  ” of  Heraclitus,  takes  the 
place  of  the  well-established  principles  of  physiology 
and  chemistry  now  received  in  the  West.  As  yet  we 
are  not  aware  that  any  correct  knowledge  regarding 
the  circulation  of  the  blood  obtains  in  China.  Obser- 
vation, however,  has  taught  them,  that  the  frequency 
and  force  of  the  pulse  are  not  the  same  in  sickness  and 
in  health.  Deducing  from  this  circumstance  unfounded 
notions  on  the  subject  of  pulsation,  a Chinese  practition- 


28 


er,  on  observing  the  character  of  the  pulse  in  the  last 
stages  of  disease,  will  hazard  a prognosis  of  the  number 
of  hours  the  patient  may  have  to  live.  In  the  indefinite 
use  of  the  word  ^ by  the  Chinese,  and  of  by 
Pythagoras,  we  observe  a remarkable  coincidence.  By 
both  the  same  term  is  often  employed  to  designate  veins, 
arteries,  nerves,  and  tendons. 

It  has  been  sometimes  objected,  that  to  attend  to  the 
diseases  of  men  is  not  the  proper  business  of  a mission- 
ary. This  objection  may  be  shortly  answered  by  a 
reference  to  the  conduct  of  the  Savior  and  his  apostles, 
who,  while  they  taught  mankind  things  that  concerned 
their  eternal  interests,  were  not  indifferent  to  their  bodily 
sufferings.  What  He  was  pleased  to  do  by  his  Divine 
power,  and  what  they  did  by  miraculous  endowments, 
no  one  can  in  these  days  pretend  to  effect.  But  we  are 
commanded  and  encouraged  to  imitate  them,  by  the 
use  of  such  means  as  knowledge  and  the  exercise  of  a 
genuine  charity  will  furnish.  The  importance  of  edu- 
cation has  long  been  admitted,  and  none  regard  its 
requisite  expense  as  a perversion  of  sacred  funds,  — not 
that  education  can  make  the  pagan  a Christian,  but  be- 
cause it  is  one  of  the  best  auxiliaries.  Neither  has  it 
been  considered  a misapplication  of  money,  or  of  the 
missionary’s  talent,  to  employ  science  as  an  instrument 
wherewith  to  sweep  away  the  foundations  of  idolatrous 
systems,  — not  that  science  can  convert  a heathen,  but 
that,  by  demonstrating  to  him  the  falsity  of  his  religion, 


29 


it  may  prepare  the  way  for  him  to  seek  tlie  truth.  A 
similar  rank  and  equal  consideration  are  what  we  ask  for 
the  healing  science  and  practice. 

A peculiarity  of  the  Medical  Missionary  Society  in 
China  is,  that  it  addresses  itself  to  the  consideration  of 
ALL.  The  man  of  science  and  the  philanthropist,  who 
look  especially  to  immediate  benefits,  are  here  interest- 
ed. And  to  the  sympathies  of  those  who,  while  they 
equally  appreciate  the  desirableness  of  contributing  in 
every  feasible  manner  to  the  welfare  of  their  species  for 
time,  contemplate  with  unspeakably . more  solicitude 
those  interests  which  are  eternal,  it  presents  an  irresist- 
ible— an  overwhelming — claim.  When  we  reflect 
upon  the  present  state  of  surgery  and  medicine  in  China, 
the  suffering  that  is  experienced,  the  lives  annually  and 
needlessly  lost,  and  advert  to  the  time  when  similar  ig- 
norance was  the  misfortune  of  the  nations  of  Europe  ; 
and  when  we  consider  the  rational  basis  upon  which 
science  is  now  established,  and  our  facilities  for  impart- 
ing it  to  others ; the  obligation  upon  enlightened  na- 
tions becomes  imperative,  to  improve  the  opportunity 
afforded,  of  imparting  to  others  the  incalculable  benefits 
received  from  the  application  of  chemistry  and  natural 
and  inductive  philosophy  to  the  subject  of  health,  in  the 
investigation  of  the  causes  and  phenomena  of  disease 
and  the  means  of  controlling  it. 

The  world  is  a whole  : and  as  the  human  race  ap- 
proximates to  the  perfection  which  it  is  destined  to 


30 


reach,  the  principle  of  union  and  fellow-feeling  will  be- 
come more  and  more  influential.  A Bacon,  a Newton, 
or  a Franklin,  is  not  to  be  monopolized.  Such  men 
belong  not  merely  to  the  nation  that  gave  them  birth, 
but  to  the  whole  world.  They  were  doubtless  designed 
by  Providence,  to  be  blessings  not  merely  to  a single 
age  or  country,  but  to  all  successive  ages,  and  to  every 
land.  Upon  those  who  first  enjoyed  the  boon,  rests  the 
obligation  to  extend  universally  their  principles,  which 
have  revolutionized  the  philosophy  and  science  of 
Europe,  and  which,  whenever  permitted  free  ingress, 
will  produce  similar  results  in  China.  Surely  no  accu- 
mulation of  arguments  is  required  to  prove  a case  so 
clear.  If  the  principle  is  admitted  that  our  race  is  owe, 
then  the  remoteness  of  the  empire  for  which  we  plead 
cannot  neutralize  the  obligation. 

To  facilitate  cooperation  in  the  observance  of  this 
obligation,  agents  are  appointed  in  the  principal  cities 
of  England  and  America.  About  ^'9,000  have  been 
contributed  in  China  and  its  vicinity  within  the  last  two 
years  to  this  cause,  but  whilst  friends  here  encourage 
the  expectation  of  a continuance  of  their  aid,  the  Society 
must  look  to  the  affluent  of  happier  lands  for  its  principal 
support. 

When  we  survey  the  vastness  of  the  field,  the  good 
to  be  effected,  and  when,  reflecting  upon  the  immense 
resources  of  the  western  hemisphere,  we  compare  these 
with  the  small  portion  of  wealth  required  to  secure  the 


31 


desired  object,  we  are  confident  that  benevolence  — 
disinterested  like  its  author,  and  as  expansive  as  the  woes 
of  man  are  extensive,  will  not  withhold  the  means.  A 
rare  opportunity  is  here  afforded  to  the  philanthropist  of 
doing  good  — of  enjoying  the  felicity  of  imparting  to 
others,  without  diminution  to  himself,  some  of  his  rich- 
est blessings.  He  is  invited  to  unite  in  accomplishing  a 
great,  immediate,  and  positive  good,  — is  encouraged 
by  the  hope  of  immediate  success,  to  aid  in  uniting  to 
the  great  family  of  nations  this  long  severed  and  seclu- 
ded branch,  and  in  introducing  among  this  people  not 
only  the  healing  art,  but  in  its  train  the  sciences,  and  all 
the  blessings  of  Christianity.  To  the  various  missionary 
Boards  whose  cooperation  is  sought,  we  would  respect- 
fully say,  imitate  Him  whose  gospel  you  desire  to  pub- 
lish to  every  land.  Like  Him,  regard  not  as  beneath 
your  notice  the  opening  the  eyes  of  the  blind  and  the 
ears  of  the  deaf,  and  the  healing  all  manner  of  diseases. 
Until  permitted  to  publish  openly  and  without  restraint 
the  truths  of  the  gospel,  neglect  not  the  opportunity 
afforded  of  freely  practising  its  spirit.  Scatter  to  the 
utmost  its  fruits,  until  welcomed  to  plant  the  tree  that 
produces  them  — the  “ tree  of  life.” 

(Signed)  T.  R.  Colledge. 

Peter  Parker. 

E.  C.  Bridgman. 


China,  April  14,  1838. 


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